We are back in the season of political television spots and once again faux outrage, mindlessness, crass stupidity, outright lies and distortion are back in vogue. The candidates assume we are profoundly stupid. Unfortunately, the results in previous elections appear to bear them out.

A recent New York Times piece singled out the ubiquitous Steve Southerland TV spot as an example of a “positive-sounding” ad. So unusual as to be remarkable. It is, of course, paid for by the Koch Brothers through Americans for Prosperity, but it’s not an attack ad. It may not be attack, but the positive-sounding ad, broken down to its parts, actually says nothing.

The spot tells us that Southerland “has it right on healthcare,” but fails to tell us what it is he has right. The announcer says Southerland “puts us first.” Who is “us?” Apparently not the one million Floridians who have signed up. Exactly how does his position, which seems to be repealing the entirety of the Affordable Care Act, put us first? Putting us first doesn’t, apparently include any suggestion as to what one would do in place of repeal, except returning to the good old days when insurance companies wrote the rules. Maybe “us” refers to the insurance industry. That I can believe.

Then comes Southerland, himself, dripping sincerity, “It isn’t about politics…” It isn’t? I mean, really, it isn’t? What is it about?
Announcer is back proclaiming Obamacare is not working. The sign-up rate in Florida seems to suggest it’s working very well.

Given that the first real opportunity to repeal Obamacare will come in 2017, at which point over 30 million people will have health insurance, thanks to Obamacare, please explain to me what is not working. Even the website is working. A wider choice of health insurance policies that actually cover you on terms you choose; it’s working. Not perfect, could use some tweaks, but working.

Then Steve is back telling us something about healthcare choices being put in our hands. Congressman—you’re right. Now we are able to buy insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions. Children can remain on their parents’ policies until they are 26 and on and on. Which of these provisions is the “heavy hand of government” you referred to? Is the heavy hand in the form of a penalty if you do not buy insurance? Should those of us who do pay for insurance pay for those who won’t buy insurance? Is the heavy hand of government the subsidy that makes it possible for people of modest means to buy insurance? If you do the math, that heavy hand saves everyone money.

In short, the Americans for Prosperity have created an ad that’s all cotton candy and no substance, making claims that cannot be defended, tossing in an occasional non-sequitur and then suggesting you call a number to tell Southerland what a great guy he is. I’d assume that phone call gets you on a database for later use. At least it’s not nasty.

This kind of garbage will be cluttering our airwaves through fall. Both parties will be equally guilty of insulting our intelligence. The point is, if you’ll recognize this rubbish for what it is and demand facts, base your decision on reason, we’ll have a better democracy for our trouble. If past is prologue: good luck.